Senator calls on Jersey to narrow the e-biz gap

GUERNSEY is racing ahead in the battle for e-business, according to Jersey's economic development minister.

And Senator Alan Maclean, who was giving evidence to the island's Economic Affairs Scrutiny panel at a quarterly review hearing, also warned that unless Jersey acted quickly in addressing issues such as its own internet capacity, then Guernsey could race ahead in the battle for finance and other business in future as well.

He said the Jersey States had no choice but to approve e-gaming laws later this year with Guernsey already enjoying total internet capacity to the UK that was five times greater than its own. That he said, meant Guernsey might be able to offer lower operating costs to new business in future.

But Commerce and Employment minister Carla McNulty Bauer (pictured) said despite what her colleague in Jersey had suggested, Guernsey could not afford to become complacent.

'Senator Maclean's words about Jersey trying to catch up with Guernsey are a tribute to this island's success but also a reminder that we shouldn't take this for granted as there are always other territories operating in a highly competitive commercial environment.'

Data hosting centres in Guernsey contribute about £4m. to the island's economy each year – revenue that Jersey is currently missing out on.

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